Short-Term Rentals in Westland, MI: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Westland or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Westland has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.
Taxes & Fees
Short-term rental operators in Westland must collect the Michigan 6 percent Use Tax on stays under 30 days and pay any local rental registration fees; no dedicated STR tax currently applies.
Key details: Michigan Use Tax: 6 percent on stays under 30 days. Platform collection: Airbnb and Vrbo often collect Use Tax. Local accommodations tax: None in Westland. Rental registration fee: Applies per dwelling. Treasury remittance: Monthly or quarterly.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Noise Rules
Short-term rentals in Westland are subject to the same general noise ordinance as other residential properties, with quiet hours typically enforced overnight to protect neighbors from disturbance.
Key details: Quiet hours: Typically 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.. Enforcement: Westland Police Department. Host liability: Yes, for guest conduct. Repeat violations: May trigger nuisance review. Complaint line: (734) 467-3200.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Occupancy Limits
Short-term rental occupancy in Westland is governed by building code and property maintenance standards, typically allowing two persons per sleeping room plus reasonable living area capacity.
Key details: Code basis: IPMC and Michigan Residential Code. Sleeping room minimum: 70 sq ft for one occupant. Typical cap: Two adults per bedroom. Smoke alarms: Required in every bedroom. Egress: Required from basement bedrooms.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Insurance Requirements
Westland does not mandate specific STR insurance, but operators should carry commercial short-term rental coverage or a homeowner endorsement since standard policies often exclude paying guests.
Key details: City mandate: None specific to STRs. Recommended liability: 1 million dollars minimum. Homeowner policy: Often excludes rentals. Platform coverage: Supplemental only, not primary. HOA check: MCL 559 Condo Act may add rules.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Westland is more permissive than most cities when it comes to insurance requirements. That said, there are still limits.
Night Caps
Westland does not impose a maximum night cap on short-term rentals, but any rental under 30 consecutive days triggers Michigan Use Tax and state transient occupancy rules.
Key details: City night cap: None. Minimum stay: No local minimum. State tax threshold: Under 30 days triggers Use Tax. IRS 14-day rule: Affects federal tax treatment. HOA rules: May impose minimums under MCL 559.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around night caps in Westland lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Parking Rules
Short-term rental guests in Westland must use on-site driveways and legal street parking, avoiding blocked sidewalks, front-yard parking on unpaved surfaces, and overnight restrictions.
Key details: Lawn parking: Prohibited. On-street parking: Permitted where signed. Snow emergency: On-street parking restricted. RV and trailer: Limited residential storage. Enforcement: Westland Police and Code.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Registration Rules
Westland requires rental property registration and periodic inspection for any dwelling rented to non-owners, which captures short-term rentals under the general rental program.
Key details: Registration: Required for all non-owner rentals. Inspection cycle: Periodic certificate of compliance. Local agent: 24-hour contact required. Smoke and CO alarms: Must be functional. Unregistered penalty: Civil infractions and fines.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Westland actively enforces its registration rules requirements.
Permit Requirements
Westland does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, so Airbnb-style rentals must still comply with zoning, rental registration, and Michigan use and sales tax obligations.
Key details: Dedicated STR ordinance: None as of 2026. Rental registration: Required for non-owner rentals. Michigan use tax: 6 percent for stays under 30 days. Zoning check: Review residential district rules. Contact: Westland Building (734) 467-3200.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Westland gives residents more room on short-term rentals. 2 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
Keep in mind that Westland can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.